Hawking, with this book for the general public, tries to shed new light on the darkest areas of time and space. His texts reveal his multifaceted personality: the scientist, the concerned citizen of the world, the human being, and always the disciplined and creative thinker. With his characteristic expressive skill, his clear language, and his disdain for convention, he invites us to share his passion for the journey of understanding and imagination that has opened new paths for the comprehension of the Universe.